The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve its internal issues before selecting a candidate for the 2026 governorship election. This cautionary statement comes as calls for former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to contest in the upcoming race have been growing louder and more persistent among some groups within the APC. The PDP's response highlights the ongoing political tension and the need for strategic alignment within the ruling party to ensure a unified approach ahead of the elections.
Speaking to The Punch, the PDP’s Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, stated that the APC must first address its internal challenges before considering any potential candidate to face off against the incumbent, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in 2026. Bamiji stressed the importance of the APC organizing itself and establishing internal cohesion before engaging in the electoral battle. His remarks reflect the PDP's belief that the APC’s current internal division and confusion may hinder its chances in the next election, and that resolving these issues should be a priority for the party.
“We welcome anyone they choose to bring forward, but our advice is for them to first put their house in order,” Bamiji said, emphasizing that it is the electorate, not political insiders, who will ultimately decide the outcome of the election. He added, “Osun people are watching, and they will deliver their judgment again.” Bamiji further urged the APC to focus on reducing the confusion and infighting within their ranks, which he believes could undermine their efforts to effectively challenge Adeleke’s leadership. “They must approach the election with clarity and purpose,” he advised.
The comments from the PDP come in the wake of growing calls from a faction within the APC for Oyetola to run for governor again in 2026. On Wednesday, a group within the APC expressed its support for Oyetola, urging him to enter the race in a bid to unite the party and prevent further internal crises. The group argued that Oyetola’s candidacy would be a stabilizing force, capable of bringing the party together and giving them a strong chance in the next election. The calls for Oyetola to run also reflect dissatisfaction within some quarters of the APC with the party’s current leadership and internal divisions.
Oyetola, who served as governor of Osun State under the APC banner, had previously defeated Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2018 election. However, in the 2022 election, Oyetola lost his reelection bid to Adeleke, who ran as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The loss to Adeleke was seen as a major setback for the APC in Osun, but some party members believe that Oyetola still has the political clout and popularity necessary to mount a strong challenge in 2026.
